Recommendations building a new (budgeted) computer from scratch for recording music

D

dinvex

Posts: 34   +0
Hi, I would like to put together a computer with these software requirements in mind (for reason/record:

Intel P4/AMD Athlon XP at 2GHz or better, multiple cores highly recommended, 1 GB RAM or more, DVD drive, 2 GB free hard disk space, Record may use up to 20 GB cache disk space, Windows XP SP2, Vista or later

I currently have XP, and would do Windows 7 but I really don't care for Vista (please don't figure in to the total, and yes I will be getting a legal copy!). I would like to go the cheapest route, which I imagine would be building from scratch. If I can stay under 500 dollars that's be best although spending a little more for a really nice system that will be good for a few years is favorable.

I found this as a starting point, and would like to know the thoughts from the inside.

The only additional information I have is I have 2 TB's that are waiting for a home so I'm not worried about storage, and also the quieter the better, as everything helps while recording. Thank you very much in advance. - Dinvex
 
You can do better with your budget. I recommend this:
Grand Total = ~$380, not considering rebates.
 
Thanks for the help. I have couple questions in regards to the speed. /I noticed the difference in processing has "cache", and was wondering if the lower number is better, as in l2, or the higher, like l3...or is this not associated with the speed?

Also, I was told that the more cores the better, especially with audio and video processing. Is this something that would help me expand in the future, or is this something that's not yet stood the test of consumerist time and not worth the investment?
 
The X4 620 will be underutilized, since all audio processing will be handled by the sound card. DDR3 is the OP's choice, but is unnecessary IMHO, since AM3 CPUs have DDR2 support, and BIOS updates enable support for AM3 CPUs on AM2 mobos, so an upgrade path still exists.
 
For recording the audio, I actually have an "M-box 2" by Digidesign that I will be using.. would this still apply to the performance?
 
In that case forego the sound card, and my advice still applies either way. Your CPU is not that important, since it is not doing much work at all.
 
The sound card would be processing the sound, however, using VSTs and effects applications, and simultaneously playing back a lot of tracks would be taxing on the processor, no? (I apologize if this seems redundant to what you said, I am just trying to understand what I'd be purchasing. I really appreciate your help. Thank you.
 
I wouldn't know about that I'm afraid, you're going to have to ask someone else who has experience in this area. I think maybe tmagic650 or dividebyzero may be able to help you with this, but I'm not 100% sure of that either. Sorry. :(
 
Hi Ritwik7! You helped me out a while back, and recommended this:

AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz

Do you know of a faster model (am3) that is also quad?
Click to expand...

There are many faster AM3 quads available but as Rage pointed out they might probably be under-utilised. The faster models include the Athlon II X4 630 / 635 / 640 / 645. Also the Phenom II series is more efficient as it has additional L3 cache.
 
Rage_3K_Moiz - It looks like I don't have enough posts to PM yet...

Til then, would the faster quads benefit video editing if I delve in to that as well? The Phenom II Stuff looks cool:D
 
Okay so I finally have these parts:

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz
CORSAIR XMS3 DHX 4GB ( 2 X 2GB ) PC3-10666 1333MHz DDR3 280579388760

And I should have this very soon:

ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 DDR3 AMD 890GX 51007

Does this look good so far?

Can anyone recommend a good chassis and a power supply for this? Thank you for your help!
 
Maybe this makes more sense:)

I now HAVE these components:


Asus Motherboard
Quad Processor
DDR Memory

I also have a couple new 1TB hard drives waiting...



And what I would like to do is basically get the components necessary to finish this- which I believe would just be the case (chassis, right?) and a power supply- something that is decently quiet if possible.

The motherboard was a previously opened item, and I did not receive any cables with it. If anyone could point me in the right direction in regards to that I'd appreciate it greatly:)

Would a disc drive come with the chassis typically, or what is a good choice?

Finally, I think there is some kind of stuff to get for the processor and motherboard, but I'm not sure, since this is a first build.

I appreciate everyone's help on my tedious questions:)
 
you don't need a phenom || x4 965 cpu. it is a little bit of an overkill, same apply to the motherboard and ram.

I do create music myself, and I mostly just use vst all the way. both instrumental and effects.

this is enough for your use:

motherboard

RAM

cpu

total: $293
 
^, the parts have already been purchased, so those recommendations are moot.

@dinvex, I recommend this PSU and the Antec Three Hundred. If you want a really quiet case, I recommend the pricey-but-practically-inaudible Antec P183.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Looking for advice on new PC build
Replies
4
Views
660
mbk34
M
anarchistpuding
I want to build a PC from 2008
Replies
5
Views
1K
ihaveaname
I
A
Please help: Intel Core i9-11900KF with a H510M H V2 motherboard
Replies
2
Views
276
HardReset
H

Latest posts

Back